Summer Institute : Dance : Courses

The courses listed below are part of an intense and rigorous curriculum. With five classes a day it's important that students have a clear focus on expanding their skills within a range of dance genres. 

MODERN TECHNIQUE
A core portion of the Dance program, and of most college programs, is modern technique. Instructors will work on musicality, spatial awareness, anatomical structure, alignment, creative choices and performance presence. 

BALLET TECHNIQUE
Study the fundamentals of classical ballet technique with emphasis on skills, including balance, poise, strength, elevation, elasticity, musicality and artistry. This course will build in complexity, with attention to detail, while focusing on versatility.

JAZZ TECHNIQUE
 With roots in social dance and influence from African American tradition, jazz is used in the entertainment industry. Students will work on developing strength, flexibility, endurance and coordination. 

COMPOSITION + IMPROVISATION
This course engages students with new points of entry into the creative process and features strategies ranging from the use of text and imagery to using partnering and contact. Students will be asked to create both individual  and group assignments to challenge their notions of what dance is and how it is created.

REPERTORY
You will have the opportunity to participate in up to two repertory projects, which will be presented in the final performance. Existing pieces will be workshopped along with new pieces created collaboratively with peers. You will self-select repertory projects during registration.

SPECIAL WORKSHOPS
You have the option to choose elective workshops almost everyday of the program. This student-driven schedule sets UArts apart. Possible options include digital media + dance, hip-hop, pointe, tap, contemporary African technique, flamenco, costuming, pilates and yoga.

FREE SPACE
During this time, you have access to the studios to explore ideas from composition, class exercises and other coursework. Students interested in presenting choreography have the opportunity to share their work at the end of the program.

FINAL PERFORMANCE
On the final Saturday of the program, the two weeks culminate in a performance for friends and family to celebrate your talents and achievements. The performance will include demonstrations of in-class work, repertory showings and the opportunity for you to present your own choreography. This takes place in the same theaters where undergraduates work and is an exciting way for you and your family to see what an undergraduate dance concert can be like.